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2016 See How We See Annual Report

A NEW KIDNEY - AND A NEW LIFE
Last fall, University Health System sent out an urgent public plea for someone with a big heart to step forward and donate a kidney to 5-year-old Leland - an Austin child in foster care who had been on dialysis most of his life. Leland had never been able to swim or eat certain foods that his friends were allowed to eat, such as cheese sticks and oranges. His plan - ••when I get my kidney," he said - was to go to a water park and hit the slide. But he was nearing the end of his body's ability to undergo life-saving dialysis treatments. When the call went out, more than 500 people stepped forward and a donor match was quickly found. Leland soon got his transplant. In May, recovering nicely from his transplant, Leland celebrated two huge milestones in his young life. He was adopted into a new family. And for the first time, he got to splash and swim at a water park, like other kids. "He was so excited to finally go swimming for the first time ever this week," said Lauren, his mom. "His goal is to go as many times as he can this summer. He's ready to make up for lost time!" If that weren't enough, now that he's got a healthy kidney, Leland gets to spend 12 more hours every week being a normal kid instead of being tethered to a dialysis machine. He loves playing with his siblings, and he gets to eat bananas, oranges, cheese sticks and ice cream. Because the family wishes to protect his privacy, University Health System isn't using last names. But his mother wanted to express her gratitude to the many generous people who stepped up for Leland - some of whom ended up going through the process and donating a kidney to someone else. Donating a kidney to someone is a serious decision, one that should be made with an understanding of the possible risks and complications. For those interested in learning more about becoming an altruistic living kidney donor, please visit UTCLivingDonor.com, search Donate Life America, or call 210-567-5777.